The next time you drop your child off at practice or rehearsal, stay a few minutes and watch.
Encourage your child’s interest in extracurricular activities. Participation can help prevent risky behavior.
Ask what your child would do if a friend stole something from a store.
Make sure there will be adult supervision when your child visits a friend’s home.
Let your child see you reading for pleasure.
This is African American History Month. Explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture online at nmaahc.si.edu.
Help your child consider consequences before making a decision.
Peer pressure can be positive. Encourage your child to participate in group activities like sports and volunteering.
Review what your child should do in an emergency, such as a fire.
Compliment something about your child’s appearance today.
Teach your child to make to-do lists and check off finished tasks.
Is your child having a problem at school? Suggest brainstorming about ways to solve it—without your help.
Look for opportunities to compromise with your child.
Try to be available by phone or in person right after school. It’s often when kids are most ready to talk.
At bedtime tonight, tell a story about yourself at your child’s age.
Has it been a hard week at school for your child? Do something together this evening or make fun plans for the weekend.
Establish or reestablish a morning routine that works for your family.
“Because I said so!” is frustrating for middle schoolers to hear. Explain your reasoning.
When your child dawdles, set a timer. Say, “Try to finish before it rings.”
Look for a skill you and your child can learn together. It’s a fun way to get to know your child on a new level.